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Luke Wells’ first century of the season soothed Lancashire’s current pain and helped them just about shade the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship match against Derbyshire at Emirates Old Trafford.The home side’s players began the day at the bottom of Division Two and with their director of cricket Mark Chilton’s warning that he would make the changes necessary to get their season “back on track” fresh in their minds.But new skipper Marcus Harris’s batsmen took advantage of the invitation to have first use of a what looks a good cricket wicket to finish on 250 for five with Wells making 141 and Matty Hurst, 51.The pair but on 121 but a run-rate of 2.6 suggests Lancashire will do well to collect three batting bonus points. Derbyshire, who began the day in second place, might therefore be happy with their efforts to contain Lancashire’s batsmen. The impressive Ben Aitchison finished the day with three for 51 and the New Zealander, Blair Tickner, took two for 59.In the morning session, Lancashire recovered from the loss of Keaton Jennings and Josh Bohannon with just 11 runs on the board to reach 67 for two at lunch.Jennings, who stepped down as four-day captain earlier this week, was caught at second slip by Wayne Madsen off Tickner for two and Bohannon was pouched by wicketkeeper Brooke Guest for three when he tickled a Aitchison delivery down the leg side.Resuming in the afternoon on 40, Wells took only seven deliveries to reach a 92-ball half-century, his progress assisted by successive boundaries off Aitchison. Indeed, the temper of the day changed in the first half-hour or so of the session as the third-wicket pair rattled up 47 runs in ten overs.That progress was immediately halted when Harris fished at the next ball from Tickner and Madsen clung on to a high two-handed catch above his head. The dismissal of Lancashire’s new skipper for 45 ended his 103-run stand with Wells and it greatly slowed the home side’s momentum without seriously disrupting it.Wells and Hurst had put on 51 for the fourth wicket at tea, by which time the Lancashire opener was 14 short of his century and the Derbyshire attack had done well to restrict the home side to a modest scoring rate.Three balls after the resumption, Harry Came’s wayward throw presented Wells with the four overthrows that took him into the nineties and he reached his 27th first-class century and his ninth for Lancashire with a cover-driven four off the former Lancashire slow left-armer, Jack Morley. He had faced 212 balls and hit 13 fours.Hurst reached his fifty off 129 deliveries but was beaten off the pitch and bowled by Aitchison two balls later. That ended his 121-run stand with Wells and four overs later the same bowler produced a vicious lifter to have the former Sussex batsman caught in the gully by Caleb Jewell.

Ollie Price and Miles Hammond both made fifties as Gloucestershire produced a determined response to Lancashire’s first-innings 450 on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford.Replying to the home side’s formidable total, in which Marcus Harris made 167 and Ajeet Singh Dale took three for 67, the visitors were 184 for 2 at the close with Price on 54 not out and Hammond unbeaten on 57. The pair have so far put on an unbroken 110 for Gloucestershire’s third wicket.Two days are left in this evenly poised match but barring collapses, it is difficult to see either side being bowled out twice on an easy-paced wicket after three sessions on Saturday in which 94 overs were bowled, 292 runs were scored and only seven wickets fell.In the first session, the home side’s attempt to push on towards 400 and four batting points was seriously hampered by the dismissal of Harris, who had added only two runs to his overnight score when he was leg before wicket to Ajeet Singh Dale for 167 in the fifth over of the morning.Lancashire eventually needed 14 off the 110th over for that fourth point but after hitting a six off Josh Shaw’s first ball, Luke Wells was lbw for 38 to the second and his side had to settle for three points, which are as many as they had collected in their three previous games put together.George Balderson was trapped in front for six just four overs later but Tom Hartley and Tom Bailey took their side to 437 for 8 at lunch.Hartley and Bailey added only 13 runs in the afternoon session before Lancashire lost their last two wickets to successive balls from Tom Price. Hartley was caught behind by James Bracey for 32 and and John Turner collected his second successive golden duck when he was lbw.Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth launched Gloucestershire’s reply to their hosts’ formidable total with a serene stand of 47 and Lancashire had to wait over an hour for their first breakthrough, which came when Balderson jagged one back through Bancroft’s gate and bowled the Australian for 18 to claim his hundredth first-class wicket.The next wicket fell four overs before tea when Charlesworth was beaten in the flight by Tom Hartley’s seventh ball of the innings and chipped an easy return catch to the bowler. The opener’s dismissal for a polished 43 left Gloucestershire on 74 for 2 but Price and Hammond batted resolutely after tea to prevent Keaton Jennings’ attack making further breakthroughs.Hammond swept and reverse-swept Tom Hartley to the ropes but Price’s front foot drive through wide mid-on off John Turner was comfortably the shot of the session, if not the day, and it epitomised Gloucestershire’s dominance in the evening session. For Lancashire, Balderson finished with 1 for 35 and Hartley 1 for 37.

After winning the opening day Premier League clash against Everton at Elland Road, Leeds United fans had a newfound sense of excitement – but it’s safe to say they’ve come back down to earth with a bang.

Daniel Farke’s side lost 5-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates, before falling at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup to a youthful Sheffield Wednesday outfit earlier this week.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his debut in the game at Hillsborough, coming off the bench, but it was an outing for the new addition to forget – missing three big chances before failing to convert in the penalty shootout.

The 28-year-old took the second spot kick, but blazed his effort over the bar, subsequently contributing to the Whites’ early exit from the cup competition.

However, with the transfer window coming to a close in the next few days, new attacking talent are still being targeted, potentially helping Calvert-Lewin in his quest for success in Yorkshire.

Leeds’ hunt to land a star who’d help Calvert-Lewin

Over the last couple of days, Brighton & Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte has been touted with a move to join Leeds, potentially moving to Yorkshire on a temporary basis.

A deal has now collapsed for the Argentine’s signature, with fellow Premier League club Chelsea now set to swoop in and complete a deal for his signature before Monday’s deadline.

However, another option has emerged in their sights, with Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer a player they could turn to in the coming days, according to journalist Joe Donnohue.

He claims that the Blades are open to letting the Dutchman leave before Monday’s transfer deadline, with a loan with an option to buy of £15m being mooted. As Donnohue notes, Leeds have been in the mix for his signature already this summer.

The journalist also stated that the 28-year-old isn’t pushing for a move away from Bramall Lane, but could be open to a return to the Premier League in the coming days.

Why Leeds’ latest target would get Calvert-Lewin firing

Leeds’ deal to land Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer earlier this summer handed the side an experienced Premier League option, but there were undoubtedly doubts about his injury record.

The Englishman missed 15 games last season through various injuries, with the Whites’ fanbase hoping that the 28-year-old can avoid a repeat of such setbacks during his time in Yorkshire.

However, his debut earlier this week wasn’t the greatest first impression, desperately needing to find the back of the net in the coming games to help him settle into life in Yorkshire.

He’s registered 57 goals in England’s top-flight throughout his career, having the experience and previous record to help play a crucial role in the club’s hunt for survival.

Calvert-Lewin would be aided by Hamer should the Blades star make the move to Elland Road, possessing serious quality in the final third – something which is needed before the window closes.

Such a move would be an excellent one, offering Farke an added presence within the final third – but also softening the blow after missing out on Buonanotte’s signature.

When comparing Hamer’s stats to those of the Argentine from last season, he managed to outperform him in numerous areas, highlighting the quality he would offer to the current first-team squad.

The United star, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by one analyst, registered more combined goals and assists throughout 2024/25, highlighting the threat he possesses when in attacking areas.

His ability to create chances for his teammates was just impressive, notching more progressive passes per 90, with more of his efforts being defined as key passes – able to hand Calvert-Lewin the chance to impress at Elland Road.

The Englishman’s biggest asset is his aerial ability, as seen by his tally of 4.8 aerials won per 90 last season, something which Hamer could massively aid, given his tally of 4.1 crosses completed per 90 last season.

Other numbers, such as 4.5 shot-creating actions and a 43% take-on success rate – showcase his ability to take the ball into dangerous areas, before either getting a shot off or teeing up a teammate.

A deal for Hamer would be an excellent deal for Farke’s side, subsequently landing a player who has proven his talents in recent months – whilst also finally landing a long-standing target.

If he can replicate his numbers from last season across Yorkshire, he would be a superb addition – and one that could help Calvert-Lewin make himself a fan-favourite during his own spell in Yorkshire.

Better than Calvert-Lewin: Leeds pushing hard to sign £17.5m "nightmare"

Leeds could sign an upgrade on Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the transfer window closes.

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 29, 2025

The summer transfer window has been dominated by Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new number nine.

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The Magpies began the season without a recognised centre-forward, and while their performance away at Aston Villa showed flashes of quality, the lack of a natural striker proved costly in front of goal.

At the heart of the situation is Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has made it clear that he has no intention of reintegrating with Eddie Howe’s squad. Despite being under contract, Isak is not training with the first-team and reiterated in a social media post that broken promises had left both sides with no option but to seek change.

His stance has left Newcastle in a difficult position: they will not sanction his dream move to Liverpool until a replacement has been secured.

That urgency is compounded by the fact that several of their targets have already slipped away.

Benjamin Šeško joined Manchester United, while Wolves are refusing to entertain offers for Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a name of interest, but Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also interested, further complicating matters.

Newcastle’s recruitment team has been forced to weigh their options carefully.

With four competitions to compete in this season, they cannot afford to gamble on an unproven forward.

Instead, they are searching for a player who can score consistently at Premier League level and immediately shoulder the pressure of leading the line.

England international emerges on Newcastle's radar

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle “really like” Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The England international has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable strikers, scoring 16 times in 38 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Villa manager Unai Emery is desperate to keep hold of his talisman, placing a £60m valuation on the 29-year-old, but Newcastle see him as an ideal solution to their striker dilemma.

Watkins is not the only forward on their radar.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has pushed for a move, even going as far as to remove references to the Bees from his social media accounts before reluctantly returning to training.

The Congolese forward is fresh off the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances.

However, Brentford’s asking price of £60m, coupled with the fact that Wissa will turn 29 in September and could miss a portion of the 2026 season due to AFCON, makes him a less attractive prospect for Newcastle.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, also carries a similar price tag.

Wolves value him at around £60m, which reflects both his strong debut campaign of 14 Premier League goals and his importance following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.

But with Wolves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may be forced to move on quickly rather than get caught in another prolonged negotiation.

When set against these options, Watkins’ appeal becomes clear.

He is also homegrown, experienced at international level, and has a track record of maintaining fitness and availability – a crucial factor given how many fixtures Newcastle may play this season.

Why Newcastle should sign Ollie Watkins

The numbers help illustrate why Newcastle rate Watkins so highly compared to Wissa and Strand Larsen.

Each enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, but Watkins edges the contest in the areas that matter most to Eddie Howe’s side.

According to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements across 38 appearances – a marginal advantage over Wissa (23 in 35) but a clear lead over Strand Larsen (18 in 35). This demonstrates his ability to finish chances, something Newcastle lacked in their draw at Villa Park.

Looking deeper, Watkins’ game reflects a balance of off-the-ball movement and link-up play.

His progressive carries per 90 (1.90) are just ahead of Wissa (1.85) and far superior to Strand Larsen (0.59), underlining his ability to drive the ball forward and stretch defences.

While he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing distance (33.7 per 90 compared to 49.9), he makes up for it with a more well-rounded contribution in and around the penalty area.

The statistics also highlight Watkins’ reliability in front of goal.

His shot-on-target percentage (43.9%) is competitive with Wissa (45.6%) and Strand Larsen (61.1%), but what stands out is his volume: Watkins averaged 1.25 shots on target per 90, ahead of Larsen’s 1.15.

Given Newcastle’s need for a striker who will consistently test goalkeepers, Watkins’ steady output is a strong selling point.

There are other factors working in his favour.

Unlike Wissa, Watkins does not face the prospect of missing time due to AFCON commitments, and unlike Strand Larsen, he does not represent a gamble on a player with just one season in English football.

Instead, he offers Newcastle a forward who has proven he can sustain a high level of performance in one of the league’s most tactically demanding systems under Emery.

Of course, Watkins is not flawless.

His take-on success rate (24.4%) lags behind both Wissa (30.6%) and Strand Larsen (40.0%), suggesting he is less effective when asked to beat defenders one-on-one.

But Newcastle’s system under Howe rarely relies on individual dribbling in advanced positions. Instead, it values runs in behind, pressing from the front, and efficient finishing – all of which Watkins excels at.

"Sack him" – Alan Shearer reacts to "ridiculous" Isak and Newcastle update

The Magpies legend hasn’t held back.

2

By
Charlie Smith

Aug 21, 2025

Ultimately, the comparison makes the logic behind Newcastle’s interest clear. At £60m, he is an expensive option, yet for a club determined to make a home for themselves in Europe, it may prove the most reliable investment.

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عانى أحد لاعبي فريق برشلونة من إصابة في نهاية المباراة المخيبة للآمال، عصر يوم الأحد، ضد فريق إشبيلية، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

واستضاف ملعب “رامون سانشيز بيزخوان” مباراة برشلونة وإشبيلية، في خضم منافسات الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2025/26.

وتعرض برشلونة لهزيمة مذلة على يد إشبيلية، بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف، ليتجمد رصيده عند 19 نقطة في المركز الثاني (لمطالعة التفاصيل بأكملها من هنا).

وبمجرد إطلاق صافرة نهاية المباراة، ظهر ماركوس راشفورد وهو ساقط على أرض الملعب، حيث بدا متأثرًا بإصابة ما غير معروفة، وتوجه إليه الطاقم الطبي لفريق برشلونة من أجل التعامل معه.

وشارك ماركوس راشفورد في مباراة اليوم بأكملها وسجل هدف برشلونة الوحيد قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، بعد تمريرة رائعة من بيدري.

With Liverpool’s summer of spending potentially set to reach new levels, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards have reportedly returned to the Bundesliga in pursuit of defensive reinforcement.

Liverpool given fresh encouragement in Isak saga

Liverpool have never been the Premier League’s big spenders. Instead, they achieved much of their success under Jurgen Klopp by getting the best out of talents such as Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, who all arrived for what proved to be undeniable bargains.

Even when Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson Becker arrived to truly transform the Reds back into English champions, it didn’t happen without the sacrifice of Philippe Coutinho. And the summer that they did hold the Premier League crown, Anfield chiefs opted for a quiet summer before losing their crown to Manchester City.

Liverpool hijack Arsenal deal for attacker with medical already held

The Gunners reached a verbal agreement weeks ago.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 30, 2025

With Hughes and Edwards now out to make a statement, however, things have changed. First through the door was Jeremie Frimpong, then came their first blockbuster move, breaking the British transfer record to beat Man City and Bayern Munich to Florian Wirtz. But they weren’t done there.

Since then, both Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike have arrived to take Liverpool’s spending close to the £300m-mark. Once again, however, they are still not done there.

After Alexander Isak dropped the bombshell news that he wants to leave Newcastle United this summer, Liverpool have turned their attention towards the Swede who has now reportedly gone missing from the Magpies’ training in hopes of pushing through a departure.

Following Luis Diaz’s Bayern Munich move, which will reportedly see Liverpool pocket around £65.5m, the Premier League champions now look destined to return to the transfer market yet again this summer.

Liverpool launch first Piero Hincapie move

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have now launched their opening enquiry to sign Piero Hincapie. The talented defender looked to be on his way to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, only for the Spaniards to refuse to meet his £53m release clause.

Now, it’s Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Liverpool who have set their sights on the Bayer Leverkusen man. Unlike earlier deals for Frimpong and Wirtz, however, clubs have reportedly been told that Hincapie is not for sale this summer, despite scouting the defender throughout last season on the same trips they watched Wirtz.

Whether Liverpool can change Leverkusen’s stance is the big question. They’ve already signed two of their key men, so a third in one summer would certainly be an interesting move. But Hincapie is certainly worth chasing.

Dubbed a “great player” by former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, Hincapie would be the perfect replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who is on course to leave Liverpool as a free agent next year, and already knows both Frimpong and Wirtz well.

The cogs are whirring away down Anfield Road, and Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes must be pretty pleased with Liverpool’s progress in the transfer market.

But they have more work still to do. In spite of signing Hugo Ekitike for £79m, Liverpool are mooted to remain in the market for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has informed his club that he wishes to explore a move away this summer.

And though the Sweden international has many admirers, it is the Reds who lead the race.

They couldn’t, could they? Unfortunately for those not of a Liverpool persuasion, they could. FSG have run the club expertly in recent years, managing the finances with a deft touch to be in a position for big-money moves across the summer.

And while the Premier League champions have already broken their transfer record by signing through the addition of Florian Wirtz, the £100m figure potentially stretching to a British-record £116m, they are primed to break it once more here.

However, a few outgoings may be needed.

The players who might be leaving Liverpool

With Trent Alexander-Arnold having already left Liverpool for Real Madrid, there’s a chance that Ibrahima Konate might follow. The French defender has entered the final year of his contract, and negotiations over a renewal have yielded little fruit thus far.

From an attacking standpoint, the signing of Ekitike and the potential arrival of Isak would surely see Darwin Nunez leave. The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in Arne Slot’s system and is being chased by Saudi Arabian suitors.

Liverpool seem happy to let him leave, but are less inclined to accept Bayern Munich’s advances for Luis Diaz, having rejected a £58.5m offer. The Bundesliga champions are expected to return for the versatile forward, who was so important for Slot’s title-winning side.

While Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a possible replacement for the Colombian, he’s been priced at £100m.

And when a cheaper and exciting alternative is available, the track to head down becomes clear.

Liverpool lining up Diaz replacement

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lyon’s Malick Fofana is one of the names on FSG’s list as they consider replacements for Diaz, who may indeed have played his last competitive game for the Reds.

The 20-year-old has put his name on the map over the past 18 months in France, and is also courted by Bayern, though their curiosity will fade away in the case they do sign Diaz.

Fofana might be young, but his talent is clear. Lyon recognise this, and as such have priced him at €60m (£51m).

Why Liverpool want Malick Fofana

Hailed for his “explosive” athleticism by analyst Ben Mattinson, Fofana has established himself over the past few years, leaving his Belgian homeland in January 2024 when joining Lyon from Genk for a €22m (£19m).

That figure made an interesting comment from the off regarding Fofana’s skill set, and having now featured 62 times for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 15 goals and supplying eight assists, he’s shaping into quite the interesting winger.

While Isak would be replacing Diaz at centre-forward, the 28-year-old is typically a winger, and someone like Fofana would be a more direct heir.

And given that he might end up costing around half of what has been demanded for the Prem-proven Gordon, FSG may well opt to sign the lesser-known talent, especially since the likes of Wirtz and Cody Gakpo already reside in the Liverpool ranks.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

34 (28)

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

10

Pass completion

84%

81%

Big chances created

6

6

Key passes*

0.9

1.5

Dribbles*

0.8

1.1

Tackles*

1.1

0.9

Duels won*

2.9

4.4

Sure, Gordon rode the crest of a wave after the 2023/24 season, awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year, having notched 22 goal involvements in the Premier League, but that year was followed by a regression in output and confidence.

His creativity and tenacious style were still clear, but Fofana is showing himself to have the making of a clinical winger beyond the goalscoring level of Gordon.

Does Gordon’s progress warrant the £100m fee? He’s a fine player, to be sure, with a Merseyside connection besides, but there’s little sense in forking out such a sum when there’s a player like Fofana waiting for his breakout move.

While Gordon has forged a slick partnership with Isak over the past few years, Fofana is considered by data-driven site FBref to be a statistically similar player to the England international, so he has the athletic, snappy style to thrive alongside the Swede.

It’s chalked down that the Belgian ranked among the top 10% of positional peers last term for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90.

Isak’s quality is such that he could elevate the level of any winger worth their salt, but Gordon is indeed tactically aligned with the number nine to a higher degree.

By signing Fofana as Diaz’s replacement this summer, Slot could capture that synergy and use it to Liverpool’s gain, fashioning another angle out of his burgeoning superpower.

Gakpo 2.0: Liverpool now eyeing "one of the best young talents in football"

Liverpool still have a few more transfer targets in their sights this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 24, 2025

Sunderland’s excessive summer spending looks as if it will continue all across a bumper July.

Already, £67m has been forked out to pick up Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, and Noah Sadiki, and that amount will soon rise as the bold Black Cats put together the finishing touches to secure Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge and Simon Adingra from Brighton for an initial fee of £18.5m.

Off the back of firing home seven strikes last season in Belgium, it’s fair to say the excitement levels at the Stadium of Light have risen even more as Talbi edges ever closer to calling Wearside his new home while the addition of Adingra, a Premier League-proven star, will no doubt raise the roof.

Yet, Sunderland aren’t done here when it comes to adding in gems from Europe down the wings to enhance their attacking personnel, as more statement moves wait in the pipeline.

Sunderland eye up club-record £39m move

The name that immediately springs to mind in this regard is Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente, with Sunderland definitely keen on the idea of adding the sparkling Frenchman to their camp very soon.

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Unfortunately, their pursuit of the dynamic left winger has hit some turbulence, as reports suggest that the Regis Le Bris and Co. are a way off Sassuolo’s valuation of the 26-year-old at this point, which comes in at around the hefty £26m price range.

Obviously, Sunderland could well bounce back in this race and splash out such a high amount, considering money doesn’t seem to be too much of a concern for the newly promoted side this summer, but they might well be better placed to just go all out to land an upgrade on Lauriente instead by signing off on a club-record switch for Kerem Aktürkoğlu to move to Wearside.

Indeed, Turkish journalist Kutlu Akpinar – via his X account – has revealed that the Black Cats are keen on snapping up the pricey Benfica attacker this summer, with a £39m price tag above his head.

This really would be an earth-shuddering statement from Sunderland if a move were pulled off, with Aktürkoğlu performing at the very top of his game for many a season now.

Why Aktürkoğlu would be a big upgrade on Lauriente

Of course, Lauriente is just fresh off a 19-goal season himself for his current employers Sassuolo as Fabio Grosso’s men returned to Serie A in style.

On top of that, the £26m attacker has shown he can strut his stuff in both Serie A and Ligue 1 with a high 42 goals and assists coming his way from 133 appearances in these challenging leagues.

24/25

Benfica/Galatasaray

55

18

16

23/24

Galatasaray

51

15

9

22/23

Galatasaray

38

10

14

21/22

Galatasaray

50

13

13

20/21

Galatasaray

31

6

3

Yet, those promising numbers end up paling in comparison with Aktürkoğlu’s exploits with the explosive 26-year-old up to a staggering 94 goals and assists himself when plying his trade in both Turkey and Portugal.

Further, he has also managed to muster up an electric 11 goals and assists when competing in Europe’s most illustrious competition in the Champions League, with that £39m price tag next to his name not looking quite so steep anymore.

Instead, it could be deemed a far more worthwhile investment to make than trying to chase after Lauriente, with Aktürkoğlu already causing Premier League defences all sorts of headaches when he smashed home this effort versus Manchester United on Europe’s grandest stage in 2023.

Hailed as “silky” in approach by data analyst Ben Mattinson at the height of his glittering Galatasaray spell, the time might well be right for the Turkey international to now try and prove himself in another tough European environment in the Premier League.

He would surely be capable of pushing the likes of Enzo Le Fee and Romaine Mundle to a starting spot down the left, whilst Lauriente might fall victim to fading into the background next to such a proven and dangerous performer.

Le Fee 2.0: Sunderland lodge bid to sign 'one of the best LW's out there'

Sunderland fans could soon be cheering on a new star who might be their next Enzo Le Fee.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could’ve signed two players in the exact same position this summer, but an injury to one of Mikel Arteta’s men has apparently thwarted those plans.

Arsenal suffer first-leg defeat in Champions League semi-final

On the field, Arteta’s side suffered a setback in their pursuit of a first ever Champions League title on Tuesday evening, with PSG beating them 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Arsenal set to contact 18-goal star as key issue stops Barcelona signing him

The Gunners are planning to reach out.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

Ousmane Dembélé’s very early goal was eventually enough to clinch a one-goal advantage for the French champions heading into their replay at the Parc des Princes, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making excellent saves from the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Mikel Merino also saw his equalising header ruled out by VAR for offside, so it was close but no cigar for the Gunners, who face an uphill battle to come back against an in-form PSG side on enemy turf.

However, as Arteta said in his post-match press conference, it is only half-time, and we’ve seen far more unlikely European comebacks in recent years.

“You cannot,” said Arteta on needing control against PSG for all 90 minutes.

“This is one of the best, beating all the English teams, the best teams in this country. You cannot dominate this team in 95 minutes. Impossible. Forget about it. You have to understand what it means dominating them and in which area of the pitch. We have to be very clear. Again, what we have to do when we cannot win it, OK, make sure that we take the game well again.”

Arteta is fully aware of the tough task facing his Arsenal side in PSG, who have lost just one Ligue 1 game all season and were unbeaten until last Friday, but there is still optimism from his end.

“I don’t know the percentage, but we have a lot of chances to be in that final,” said Arteta. “As I repeat myself, you have to do something, especially in the competition, to earn the right to be in the final and the time to do it is going to be in Paris.”

Gabriel Jesus injury thwarts Arsenal plan to sign two strikers

Off the field, Berta is planning to sign a striker for Arsenal this summer, as has been reported for quite some time.

However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a piece for The Boot Room, the Gunners could’ve signed two new centre-forwards this summer, if it wasn’t for Gabriel Jesus and his long-term injury.

Jesus could even be out of action for Arsenal until 2026, according to other reports, and this has apparently thwarted the possibility of Berta’s sealing a double-striker deal.

Bailey says that Arsenal could’ve sold Jesus this summer, which would’ve opened the door for two number nines to arrive instead of one, but the Brazilian’s recovery from an ACL rupture means they’ve had to put any plans to sell on hold.

With Berta unable to raise funds and trim wages through Jesus’ sale, the prospect of more than one striker is now impossible.

This is hardly the end of the world, as a prolific star frontman is still fully expected to arrive and compete with Kai Havertz, but it could’ve been an even busier summer in the attacking areas.

Arsenal are “ready to pay” the price needed to sign a Premier League star who manager Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta both want at the Emirates, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Arsenal face PSG in all-important Champions League semi-final

With no games to worry about this weekend, Arsenal are currently anticipating their most important game of the season so far – a blockbuster Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Ligue 1 champions PSG.

Arsenal demand major Thomas Partey concession in talks over new deal

The Ghanaian has arguably enjoyed his best campaign at Arsenal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 25, 2025

Arsenal blew away Real Madrid in the last round, knocking Carlo Ancelotti’s 15-time European champions out in the quarter-finals via a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, and they’ll take plenty of encouragement from what was a truly dominant display over two legs against one of the continent’s most feared sides.

Luis Enrique’s side pose an equally tough test, if not more so, having enjoyed an excellent Champions League campaign to date whilst remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1.

PSG are the media’s favourites to win this year’s Champions League, but you can never discount an Arsenal side absolutely brimming with quality.

Arsenal's transfer plans for this summer

Away from the pitch, Berta and co are already planning for next season by identifying the club’s preferred summer signings. According to some reports, Arsenal want to reinforce the goalkeeping department, full-back area and in midfield, whilst also potentially signing a new left-winger, right-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

A new centre-back to rotate with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba isn’t out of the question either, with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen reliably believed to be a top target for the Gunners.

Arsenal have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives ahead of the summer window, according to multiple media sources, after his excellent debut season in the Premier League where he’s seriously impressed under Andoni Iraola.

The 20-year-old, who actually scored against north London rivals Tottenham earlier this season, will be allowed to leave for £50 million – the value of his release clause.

Arsenal "ready to pay" release clause for Dean Huijsen

Now, as per Ornstein in a Q&A for The Athletic, Arsenal are “ready to pay” Huijsen’s release clause after negotiating with his camp recently. It is also believed that Arteta and Berta are both huge fans of the ex-Serie A centre-back, but they still face stiff competition from rivals.

“It is strong and they remain in contention,” said Ornstein on Arsenal’s interest in Huijsen.

“They are among the clubs (with Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham) who have met his representatives, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta keen to sign the Spain international. Whether or not Arsenal win the race is unclear because it’s still open and I’m not aware of a front-runner between them, Chelsea and Liverpool to date. Real Madrid has always carried huge appeal to Huijsen, we hear, but so far they haven’t moved on this situation, and I’m sure he is philosophical about that. Previously, I think Kiwior exiting Arsenal was highly possible… that might be less certain following his recent rise to prominence.

“Either way, Huijsen would play a lot of football at Arsenal, and they can now show him many examples of how, under Arteta, players have developed extremely well and become top-level talents. Now, this doesn’t mean he will opt for them; there are pros and cons to each of the suitors, all of whom are ready to pay the release clause. Huijsen and Bournemouth want it sorted sooner rather than later. Let’s see what he decides.”

The Spain international was handed his first senior caps in a very competitive national team as well this season, highlighting just how well he’s performed, and Huijsen now looks set to be one of this summer’s most in-demand defenders.